Best Grants for Land Conservation in Colorado

The Biophilia Foundation Grants support biodiversity conservation on private lands, focusing on systemic change through community engagement. The foundation encourages organizations to submit letters of inquiry detailing their mission, tax status, funding requests, and intended outcomes. They prioritize private land conservation, ecosystem restoration, and innovative policy initiatives, especially in the arid Southwest and Chesapeake Bay regions. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, with larger amounts available for established partnerships.

The Gates Family Foundation offers strategic grants focusing on K-12 education, natural resources, and community development, accounting for 60% of its annual budget. These grants support innovative educational strategies, sustainable resource management, and community resilience. While unsolicited proposals are not accepted, potential applicants are encouraged to explore the Foundation's priorities and engage with program officers. This funding promotes long-term partnerships aimed at achieving impactful outcomes in Colorado's communities.

The Habitat Partnership Program (HPP) aims to mitigate wildlife conflicts, particularly with big game species in Colorado. It supports agricultural operators by enhancing migratory corridors and promoting private land conservation. Funded by a portion of hunting license revenues, HPP requires matching contributions for projects. Eligible applicants include agencies and individuals, while prioritizing collaborations. Projects can involve fence improvements, habitat enhancements, water development, and emergency conflict response, all focused on effective wildlife management and conservation efforts.

The Partners in the Outdoors Grant Program, administered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, promotes collaboration in outdoor recreation and conservation across Colorado. This initiative supports non-profits and government entities by providing funding for projects that align with the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Eligible applicants are encouraged to enhance their proposals with matching funds to maximize impact. The program seeks innovative solutions that ensure sustainable access to outdoor spaces for all Coloradans and visitors.

The Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnership Capacity Grants, offered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Great Outdoors Colorado, provide funding ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 to support regional collaborations in conservation and recreation planning. This initiative invites coalitions to enhance outdoor recreation experiences and promote sustainable practices across Colorado. Eligible applicants include non-profits and government entities committed to building diverse coalitions focused on community-driven conservation goals. The grants cover one to two-year terms, requiring a 10% match.

The Colorado Outdoor Regional Plan Capacity, Plan Development, & Early Wins grant program supports regional partnerships to enhance conservation and outdoor recreation. Funded by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Great Outdoors Colorado, grants range from $50,000 to $350,000 for one to three years. The initiative aims to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, ensuring equitable access to outdoor experiences while promoting healthy ecosystems and biodiversity. This funding is intended for coalitions developing regional conservation and recreation plans.

The GOCO Land Acquisition Grant, offered by Great Outdoors Colorado, aims to protect vital landscapes, waterways, and habitats across Colorado. Since 1992, GOCO has invested over $1.3 billion from Colorado Lottery proceeds to enhance public access to parks and natural areas. This grant supports projects that prioritize both urban and rural landscapes while fostering wildlife habitats and public recreation opportunities, especially in underserved communities, ensuring sustainable conservation efforts.

The GOCO: Pathways Program, initiated by Great Outdoors Colorado, aims to enhance Colorado's public spaces through innovative planning and capacity-building grants. Since 1992, GOCO has allocated over $1.3 billion in lottery proceeds towards preserving parks, trails, and wildlife habitats across the state. This program addresses critical issues and opportunities by supporting research, data analysis, and the development of tools to strengthen local governments and conservation organizations.

The Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation provides grants focused on environmental justice, reproductive rights, and community parks in Texas and southwestern Colorado. They accept letters of inquiry year-round, with cycles in Spring and Fall. Their funding supports diverse initiatives including project grants, operating grants, and capital grants, emphasizing investments that enhance the well-being of both people and nature, particularly in underserved communities.

The Projects Bill Grants, authorized by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, address statewide water supply needs through investments ranging from $1 to $10 million. Eligible projects include water management, habitat conservation, and feasibility studies. These grants require matching funds and are aimed at significant regional impacts. Projects must demonstrate a clear need and can be proposed by any public or private entity capable of contracting with the state. Ineligible projects include those that can be completed without state funding.

The Conservation Service Corps Grants, funded by Great Outdoors Colorado, support outdoor recreation and natural resource projects by hiring youth and veterans through conservation service corps. Annually, $1.5 million is allocated for these initiatives, enabling crews to tackle various projects like trail maintenance, invasive species mitigation, and wildlife habitat improvement. This program not only enhances natural resources but also provides job training and leadership skills to over 1,700 young participants each year.

The Biophilia Foundation

Our Mission & Approach

The Biophilia Foundation is dedicated to advancing biodiversity conservation on private lands by fostering systemic change through people, their communities, and direct action. We approach our mission by offering grants to nonprofit organizations, administering in-house programs, and serving as a strategic partner and fiscal sponsor for organizations with which we collaborate.

Riverscape Restoration in the Western United States and Northern Mexico

The Biophilia Foundation is seeking proposals for projects to improve the resilience of watersheds in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Two types of grants are available:

• Grants of $50,000 to $100,000 are available for projects that implement low-tech, process-based, and/or beaver-based restoration of upland streams and rivers.
• Grants up to $25,000 are available for:
  • Capacity building:
    • Assistance with the development of watershed plans, place-based networks, or preparation of proposals for federal or state grants.
  • Engagement:
    • Outreach to landowners and land managers to improve the availability of information and make implementation achievable.

The Biophilia Foundation also welcomes enquiries regarding capacity building for riverscape restoration, research (primarily carbon sequestration, climate change adaptation, and other riparian ecosystem services), innovative finance, and improving the availability of information available to landowners and land managers.

Funding Categories

Grants provided through this initiative will include the categories described below. Eligible entities can apply for funding from one or more categories.

• Implementation Grants
  • Implementation grants of $50,000 to $100,000 are available for riparian restoration projects using low-tech, process-based restoration (LTPBR) techniques, such as RDS, BDA, PALS, grass plugs, etc., and supporting practices, such as tree planting and exclosures.
  • Implementation grants can also support restoration for the purpose of beaver translocation or beaver recolonization.
    • Grants for this purpose may include practices for nonlethal management of beaver conflicts (e.g., pond levelers).
  • Where financially beneficial, the Biophilia Foundation supports integration of carbon finance and/or other payments for ecosystem services into restoration projects.
  • Implementation grants will be evaluated based on ecological and social criteria, including appropriateness of LTPBR to the context, biodiversity and ecological value, project scale, partnerships, and financial viability.
  • Only projects in the target geography will be considered for implementation grants.
  • In general, funded projects may apply for funding for one or two years, depending on scale and scope.
• Capacity-Building and Engagement
  • Grants of up to $25,000 are available to assist with capacity-building and engagement.
  • Capacity-building includes the development of watershed plans, creation of place based networks, or preparation of proposals for federal or state grants.
    • Funds may also be used for projects to increase the capacity of the system, such as addressing training and workforce development.
  • Engagement grants fund efforts to reduce barriers to LTPBR implementation by landowners and land managers.
    • Examples include videos, websites, hosted workshops, or targeted outreach marketing to candidate landowners.
    • Topics could include guidance on practices, permitting, financing, benefits, and risk mitigation.
• Research and Finance
  • In addition to the grants currently available, the Biophilia Foundation welcomes enquiries regarding:
    • Research to address data gaps on the benefits and risks of riparian restoration.
    • Our primary interest areas are carbon sequestration, climate change adaptation, and other ecosystem services.
    • Innovative finance for riparian restoration, including carbon credits and other payments for ecosystem services.

The GFF Capital Grants by the Gates Family Foundation support capital projects for nonprofit organizations in Colorado, emphasizing community needs and sustainable development. With a focus on enhancing public resources and addressing historical inequities, the foundation prioritizes projects that foster education, environmental protection, and community development. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, demonstrating strong community support and effective management. Capital grants are not given for general operating expenses, loans, or projects already completed.

Reiter Family Foundation Grant

The Reiter Family Foundation seeks to support organizations that are doing meaningful work to shape and sustain Colorado communities. Our areas of focus are housing and food security, education and youth programming, and environment and conservation, but we do welcome inquiries from non-profits who do not necessarily fit neatly into our focus areas. In terms of geographic location, we tend to focus our giving in the Denver Metro and Grand County areas of Colorado.

Environment and Conservation

Environment/Conservation: With our family roots in this beautiful state, we want to support the protection and conservation of our Colorado’s lands and waterways as well as help to cut down on the pollution that threatens the health and longevity of our planet as a whole. 

Grants typically range from $2,000 - $15,000, but additional funding may be available.

Applicants can only submit one grant proposal each calendar year (January - December), but may apply again the following year unless otherwise advised. 

The Non-Motorized Trails Grant Program by Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers funding for trail stewardship projects, enhancing outdoor recreation while protecting resources. With a budget of $500,000, it supports trail maintenance crews of two to eight workers. Eligible applicants include local governments and non-profits with land management partnerships. Projects can receive up to $150,000, focusing on safety, sustainability, and community engagement, fostering responsible stewardship of Colorado's natural landscapes.

The Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program aims to enhance access to outdoor activities for traditionally underrepresented communities, including low-income families, LGBTQ+ individuals, and youth of color. This initiative supports projects that address barriers to outdoor recreation and environmental education. By promoting equitable access to Colorado's natural resources, the program seeks to foster community engagement and empower underserved populations. The funding, up to $100,000, is intended for organizations committed to transformative change in outdoor equity.

The Action, Implementation, and Mitigation (AIM) Grants, offered by COCO, support organizations in enhancing wildfire risk reduction efforts. Since 2018, COCO has assisted over 90 groups, focusing on community resilience and restoration of fire-adapted ecosystems. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and local governments, with funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. Projects should align with broader wildfire strategies and require a 100% cash or in-kind match, promoting inclusive and effective community mitigation approaches.

The RESTORE Colorado Grant Program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, aims to enhance wildlife habitats across Colorado. With an expected funding of $4.5 million in 2025, the program focuses on critical habitats such as wetlands, grasslands, and sagebrush rangelands. It encourages cross-jurisdictional projects for effective landscape-level conservation, benefiting both wildlife and local communities. This initiative exemplifies a collaborative approach to proactive management of Colorado's natural resources.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service supports agricultural producers in enhancing their conservation efforts. This program provides technical and financial assistance to improve land management practices, promote wildlife habitat, and increase resilience to environmental challenges. Participants can receive annual payments for implementing conservation practices, ensuring a sustainable agricultural operation while maintaining ecological balance. CSP is pivotal for landowners seeking to achieve higher stewardship levels and contribute to conservation goals.

The Colorado Water Plan Grants aim to support essential actions outlined in the Colorado Water Plan, focusing on sustainable water management strategies. Funded by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, these grants facilitate projects related to water storage, sharing agreements, conservation, and educational initiatives. By fostering collaboration among local agencies, the program ensures that Colorado's water resources are conserved and managed effectively for future generations. Eligible projects include technical assistance and innovative water solutions.

The Fishing is Fun Grant Program, managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, aims to enhance angling opportunities throughout Colorado by providing up to $700,000 annually in matching funds. This initiative supports a variety of projects including habitat improvements, access enhancements, and public amenities at fishing sites. Eligible applicants include local governments, recreation departments, and nonprofit organizations. Over 30 years, the program has funded 375 projects, promoting sustainable fishing practices and community engagement.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners in implementing conservation practices that enhance environmental quality on agricultural lands. Eligible applicants include agricultural producers and non-industrial private forestland owners, with a focus on reducing pollution, conserving water resources, and promoting wildlife habitat. NRCS accepts applications year-round, ensuring ongoing support for environmentally sustainable practices in agriculture.

The Colorado Wetlands for Wildlife Program invites applications for projects aimed at restoring, enhancing, and creating wetlands and riparian areas. This initiative focuses on improving habitats for ducks and other at-risk species, supporting public waterfowl hunting, and addressing conservation needs. Local governments, tribes, and non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply. The program emphasizes collaborative efforts to achieve habitat improvements, aligning with the Colorado State Wildlife Action Plan.

The Maki Foundation Grant Program, established in 1981, focuses on environmental protection in the western United States. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000, aimed at organizations where modest support can create significant impact. Priorities include wilderness protection, river conservation, biological diversity, and public lands management. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and operate within specific states. The foundation avoids funding large groups or projects involving community recreation facilities and wildlife rehabilitation.

The Colorado Forest Legacy Grant Program, administered by the Colorado State Forest Service, aims to protect vital private forest areas from conversion to non-forest uses. By focusing on conservation easements, the program promotes sustainable forestry practices and preserves significant ecological habitats. It encourages public and private partnerships to maintain forest integrity while allowing landowners to retain ownership. Priorities include reducing land fragmentation and safeguarding water quality, wildlife habitats, and unique ecological zones.

The Wright-Ingraham Institute offers Sustaining Grants to support non-profit organizations addressing environmental and social challenges. These grants emphasize climate change, land issues, and wildlife conservation, with a special focus on Colorado-based institutions. Since 2012, the Institute has awarded over $400,000 to more than 65 organizations. The grants are awarded biennially, with the next cycle commencing in August 2025, providing up to $5,000 to eligible 501c(3) organizations.

Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program

COSWAP funds can be spent on all land ownership types.

The Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Executive Director’s Office is the primary manager of the Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program. Per statute, the Colorado State Forest Service, Division of Fire Prevention and Control and DNR work collaboratively on program design.

The Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP) is designed to support wildfire risk reduction efforts in Colorado to protect life, property, and infrastructure. COSWAP was created after the devastating 2020 fire season by the Colorado legislature through the bi-partisan supported SB21-258. After a successful grant cycle, the program was permanently funded in the 2023 legislative session. While housed within the Department of Natural Resources, COSWAP was collaboratively designed by representatives from the Colorado State Forest Service and the Division of Fire Prevention and Control. This partnership helps ensure the program aligns with other state work and priorities.

Focus

All projects must be focused on reducing wildfire risk to life, property and critical infrastructure. SWIFT and conservation corps projects must be appropriate for hand crew work. This includes, but is not limited to, forest thinning, fuelbreaks, chipping, biomass removal, and pile or broadcast burning.

The Strategic Focus Areas include Boulder, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, La Plata and Teller counties plus Rocky Mountain Restoration Initiative focal areas.